I believe that massage offers far more than just an easing of tight muscles and tension in the body. I believe that the human connection experienced is far more valuable than people even realise.
In my massage business, I am regularly thanked for the “double therapy” session. By this, the client means massage therapy of course, but they are also referring to the conversation and sharing of our stories. This does not necessarily mean that the client has shared deep dark secrets, it more often means just the sharing of chit chat, everyday conversations, family experiences, past adventures and even recipes!
In the busyness of day-to-day life, we very rarely get the chance to just chat, even with our family and friends! So having a whole hour to share a conversation with another person can be really therapeutic.
Meaningful connections with other humans have been a proven anti-dote to depression. Too much of our time is spent moving through this world disconnected. And this has been proven to be a real problem. The feelings that you are disconnected from meaningful work, other people, values, and respect are just some of the causes of depression.
“What if depression is, in fact, a form of grief – for our own lives not being as they should? What if it is a form of grief for the connections we have lost, yet still need?” Johann Hari, Lost Connections.
While I don’t pretend for a moment that a one-hour massage will fulfil all that is missing from people’s lives and it is definitely not a replacement for professional mental health therapy (something I wholeheartedly believe in) I’m really proud of the small difference I bring to people and their lives with my work. My regular clients become more like friends that I look forward to hearing updates about their lives. My clients make my life full, just like I hope I contribute to the richness of their lives.
